Sally A. Michaels

Sally A. Michaels, 82, passed away on December 13, 2020 in Sylvania, Ohio of diabetes-related complications. Born in Toledo, she was the daughter of Ernest R. (“Ross”) and Virginia J. Bissell. She attended the University of Indiana and the University of Toledo. Sally was the executive assistant to Hon. Don J. Young of the United States District Court from 1965 until 1979, and then again from 1986 until her retirement in 1996. From 1979 to 1986, she was the Deputy Clerk in Charge for the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Ohio (Western Division). In addition, Sally taught Civil and Appellate Litigation in the Paralegal Program at the University of Toledo in the mid-1970’s. Never one to stand still, she also worked for a variety of area retailers, including Hoffritz for Cutlery, Bartz Viviano Florist, and the Lion Store/Dillard’s. She was fortunate to have made lasting friendships throughout her work life — and those friendships brought her great comfort during her difficult illness. Sally was active in many charitable organizations over the years, including serving as a crisis counselor for Toledo United Against Rape (TUAR), as a Lady Shriner of Dendarah Court No. 10, and as a longtime volunteer for Planned Pethood. In retirement, she became an energetic practitioner of Taoist Tai Chi, attending several sessions weekly so long as her illness allowed. Another post-retirement hobby was attending iPhone and iPad workshops throughout Toledo, enjoying the ins and outs of all things Apple — games, magazines, texting, photography, and even taming the temperamental Siri. Sally loved her family, reading, being in her garden, and simply hanging out with her beloved dog. She is survived by her son Pete (Patricia) Michaels, her grandchildren Bennett and Olivia, and her brother Brent (Libby) Bissell. She also is survived by her nieces and nephews, and their children: John (Marcie) Bissell, Sarah (Charley) Puente, Elizabeth (Seth) Lintelman, Daniel (Megan) Bissell, Tammy (Mike) Motycka , and Theresa Bissell. Sally was predeceased by her grandparents Arthur J. (Goldie) Pete, her parents, and by her brother Ernest (Pete) Bissell, Jr. Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, private services have been held. Memorial Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Planned Pethood in Sally’s memory. In addition to being a longtime volunteer, she was lifelong lover of many great dogs, from her childhood puppy Blondie to her “last best” dog Charlie. She fostered and later adopted him through Planned Pethood, and he was a great companion to her in her final years. www.plannedpethood.org